How To: Disable The NTFS File System Tracking Of Broken Shortcut Links In Windows
If a shortcut to a file breaks because the destination file has moved, then by default Windows operating system will attempt to automatically locate the shortcut destination by performing a search (this only applies to operating systems which use NTFS partitions like Windows XP or Vista).By a simple Windows registry tweak you can prevent the NTFS file system from tracking alternate paths for a broken shortcut link.The steps for this registry tweak is given below:
- Start Registry Editor in Windows by running Regedit.exe(Type in regedit in Run box and press Enter).
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer
- On the Edit menu, click New, and then click DWORD value.
- Type NoResolveTrack for the Value name, and then press ENTER.
- Double-click the new value, and then set it to 1.
- Click OK and close the Windows Registry Editor.Reboot your computer for the changes.
Note:
- This Windows registry tweak applies only to target files on NTFS partitions.File allocation table (FAT) partitions do not have this ID tracking and search capability.
- You can also prevent the NTFS file system from tracking alternate paths for a broken shortcut link at a Group Policy level by selecting “Do not use the tracking-based method when resolving shell shortcuts” in the UserConfiguration\AdministrativeTemplates\Start Menu & Taskbar group policy branch.
Warning:
Modifying the Windows registry can cause serious damage to your Windows Operating System.It is better to backup your Windows registry data before making any changes. Tomstricks.com is not responsible for any changes you may make to your system.
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Written by Tony on March 29th, 2009 with
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